Tag: prosthetics

onehandedly:

But, please: Imagine Curufin and the Fëanorian healers crafting a two pieces prosthetic for Maedhros. 
One piece, the hand itself, being external and detachable while the other is internal: a rod, or series of metal rods, made of an inert alloy that are surgically affixed to the bones inside Maedhros’ right arm, with the additional aim of strengthening them, and end in a mechanism that protrudes from the flesh of the stump and allows the hand-piece to be easily and instantaneously “slotted” and secured in place without having to use any harness. 

Probably this would solve the issue of keeping the prosthetic firmly in place without in some way interfering with Maedhros’ balance or impeding his movements too much. There would be two major issue though: the surgical operation needed to put it the rods and gear in place, which would be a pretty major one, and the need for some “insulation” between the external gear and the internal rods to prevent the metal inside from cooking the Noldo’s arm were the external part to come into contact with fire (pesky Balrogs!), maybe some silicon based material (since silicon is not toxic to humans) would help this though. Another possible issue would be the maintenance of the mechanism, for very strong direct blows could deform it beyond salvage. Maybe something of the sort happened after Curvo was dead and Maedhros, despite knowing it was a stupid thing to do, never asked one of the surviving smiths to fix it and kept it broken and without a hand “in mourning” until the eve of the last kinslaying. 

Still I love the idea of Maedhros having various different prosthetics, each with its own specific purpose at the ready and easily interchangeable. Curvo brings a new one almost every time they meet and Maedhros has never the heart to refuse it or tell him that he has more than enough, because Curvo seems so satisfied as he tries them on and almost relieved of a burden.
Besides Maedhros likes taking the prosthetic off and changing it before the people he wants to unbalance because he has a dark and evil sense of humour. What is more the fact each ‘hand’ has one specific purpose makes those closest to him able to easily predict what his plans and mood are (and have time to run for the hills.. or vales, since Himring is a hill).
The most complex prosthetic, a true masterpiece of Curvo’s craft, is a perfect replica of a hand with mobile wrist and joints that can be “blocked” in specific shapes and positions which Maedhros uses during formal dinners because he hates appearing in need of any help.